The Heretech

Cindy Alvarez, ace product manager and fellow blogger, tells us why it's hard for tech companies to build a products that are easy to use. We also discuss product manager's responsibilities for identifying new markets. Plus, a review of a fascinating book about a highly successful tech company, and the requirements survey is underway! Copyright (c) 2009 Tom Grant.

In this episode, Israel Gat illuminates the ways in which Agile adoption depends on organizational and cultural factors. We also muse about Helmut von Moltke, 19th century military Agilist. (Go look it up!) Plus, a brief review of an even briefer document about innovation in “knowledge-creating” companies, and a heads-up about some upcoming survey research about product requirements and Agile adoption. Copyright (c) 2009 Tom Grant

Dave West, fellow Forrester analyst, tells us how and why Agile adoption has spread. We ponder the ailments of software development that inspired Agile, and we discuss the overlap among Agile, Lean, and other methodologies. Plus, a thumbs up to a good PM blog, and news of social media research. Copyright (c) 2009 Tom Grant

Saeed Khan of the "On Product Management" blog identifies the dangers of defining product management the wrong way. Plus, a quick review of some inspirational material about the political aspects of a PM's life. Copyright (c) 2009 Tom Grant

Laura Ramos talks about how effective B2B marketing is a mix of old and new techniques. Plus, why even the best books on Agile are often not enough. Copyright (c) 2009 Tom Grant

The Cranky Product Manager talks about the sources of crankiness, and not just for product managers. We've masked the CPM's voice to protect the satirized. Plus, a movie recommendation for anyone who thinks it's easy to understand what customers really want. Copyright (c) 2009 Tom Grant

In this week's interview, Adam Bullied and I talk about product management, product strategy, and why PMs aren't mini-CEOs. Copyright (c) 2009 Tom Grant

You've heard of the ubiquitous Ed Yoozer, measure of all technology design, but have you actually heard him? We rectify that gap with this week's interview. (Be sure to stick around for Yoozer's views on social media.) Plus, a short review of a small book on product requirements. Copyright (c) 2009 Tom Grant

Jeff McKenna's role in the history of Agile is as long as it is deep. This week on the Heretech podcast, Jeff and I talk about Agile adoption in the technology industry, and why Agile is much more than just a process. Copyright (c) 2009 Tom Grant

In this week's episode, Stewart Rogers and I talk about the past, present, and future of product management as a profession. We also ponder why there are a surplus of smart Canadians. Plus, a quick review of two books on serious gaming and simulations as tools for innovation and insight.